Cal Wellness at 25

The California Wellness Foundation is a private, independent foundation. Our mission is to improve the health of the people of California by making grants for health promotion, wellness education and disease prevention.

Timeline

Cal Wellness became a grantmaking foundation in 1992 when Health Net converted to become a for-profit insurance plan. Over the years, we have taken on some of the most contentious issues of our time, all focused on advancing health and wellness for underserved people. We have always believed that health is a human right – regardless of income, race, gender or legal status. It is an honor and a privilege to contribute to work that elevates California by leveling the playing field for all who live here.

From the start, the foundation adopts an intentional focus on issues affecting California’s most vulnerable populations. “Just like in business, I believe that with strategic planning, sound research and the willingness to fund in new areas, we could make a significant impact,” says Founding Board Chair and Trustee Roger F. Greaves.

Cal Wellness launches its first major grantmaking program: the Violence Prevention Initiative. Over 10 years, the Foundation commits $60 million to the work, with other funders providing added support.

The Foundation launches the California Peace Prize to honor individuals who are working to prevent violence and promote peace in their communities. 63 individuals will receive this recognition over the following 21 years.

Cal Wellness makes a $4 million grant for a public education project related to Proposition 188, a ballot measure that would severely weaken tobacco control laws and increase health costs across the state. The measure is soundly defeated at the polls.